Systems and methods for monitoring sound during an in-building emergency

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring a building having one or more microphones coupled to a telephone includes a detector configured to detect a triggering event within the building and transmit an activating signal when the triggering event is detected, and a control module configured to receive the activating signal from the detector. The control module is programmed to activate at least one of the one or more microphones to monitor sound when the activating signal is received.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/021,147, filed Sep. 9, 2013, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Security systems for buildings may be programmed to generate an alarmduring an emergency. The alarm may include an audible or visual alertintended to inform persons within the building of the emergency. Thealarm may also include a signal sent to a third party, such as anemergency responder (e.g., law enforcement, fire department, etc.), toinform the third party that assistance may be required at the building.Typically, these security systems employ detectors for detecting atriggering event (i.e., an event associated with an emergency) in thearea of the building, thereby triggering or actuating the alarm when thetriggering event is detected. For instance, the detectors may include amicrophone for detecting a loud or unusual noise, a temperature sensorfor detecting extreme temperatures, or a smoke detector for detectingthe presence of smoke.

Typical security systems utilize detectors capable of detectingtriggering events only within a specified area surrounding eachdetector. Therefore, detectors are often spread throughout the buildingin order to ensure that the security system is able to detect triggeringevents in all areas of the building. A security system may requiredetectors in every room or hallway of a building, for instance, whichcan result in a significant cost. In addition, in some cases thedetectors may not be able to be hidden from view while maintaining theirfunction, which can result in a less aesthetically-pleasing environmentfor persons within the building. Also, typical detectors for securitysystems have limited functionality, often being capable only ofdetecting a triggering event and sending a signal to actuate the alarmwhen the triggering event is detected. Therefore, the persons receivingthe alarm may have limited information related to the emergency, whichmay make it more difficult for persons within the building and/orpersons responding to the alarm (e.g., emergency responders) to takeappropriate action.

SUMMARY

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method formonitoring a building having one or more microphones coupled to atelephone within the building. The method includes detecting atriggering event within the building using a detector communicativelycoupled to the one or more microphones, and activating at least one ofthe one or more microphones to monitor a sound when the triggering eventis detected.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system formonitoring a building having one or more microphones coupled to atelephone. The system includes a detector configured to detect atriggering event within the building and transmit an activating signalwhen the triggering event is detected, and a control module configuredto receive the activating signal from the detector. The control moduleis programmed to activate at least one of the one or more microphones tomonitor sound when the activating signal is received.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method formonitoring an emergency within a building having one or more microphonescoupled to one or more telephones within the building. The methodincludes receiving an activating signal from a designated source,activating at least one of the one or more microphones to monitor asound when the activating signal is received from the designated source,and generating a reporting signal based on the sound monitored.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a telephoneassembly for monitoring an emergency within a building. The telephoneassembly includes a telephone, a microphone coupled to the telephone,and a control module coupled to the microphone and configured to receivean activating signal. The microphone is configured to be activated tomonitor sound. The control module is programmed to activate themicrophone when the activating signal is received from a designatedsource.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system forproviding a display map during an emergency within a building. Thesystem includes a detector located within the building for detecting atriggering event, and a control module coupled to the detector andconfigured to receive triggering event data from the detector. Thecontrol module is programmed to record the triggering event data, plot amap of the building, generate a data point representing the triggeringevent data, and plot the data point on the map.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a floor of a building having an emergencymonitoring system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an office telephone for an emergency soundmonitoring system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a screen view of a display map for an emergency soundmonitoring system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control module for an emergencymonitoring system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representation of a method for monitoring abuilding, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representation of a method for monitoring anin-building emergency, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring generally to the figures, an emergency monitoring system isshown for detecting and/or monitoring an emergency within a building. Inone embodiment, the emergency monitoring system includes a microphonecoupled to a telephone within the building. The microphone is programmedto receive sound in the area of the microphone in order to detect asound typically associated with an emergency situation, such as anunusually loud sound (i.e., a triggering event). The emergencymonitoring system may also include other detectors (i.e., detectiondevices) for detecting other types of triggering events, such as extremetemperatures or other environmental irregularities. When a triggeringevent is detected, the emergency monitoring system sends a signal toactivate the microphone, so that the microphone may monitor (e.g.,record, store, report, etc.) sounds at or near the microphone. Theemergency monitoring system may include a plurality of microphones formonitoring the entire building during an emergency. The monitored soundsmay be recorded, otherwise stored, and/or sent to a third party, such asan emergency responder, so that persons within the building receive thenecessary assistance.

Referring to FIG. 1, a layout for building 10 having an emergencymonitoring system is shown, according to one embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, the emergency monitoring system includesmicrophones 18 (i.e., a plurality of microphones) positioned withinbuilding 10 (e.g., office building, school building, restaurant, etc.)and is configured to monitor (e.g., report, record, etc.) local soundswithin building 10. Microphones 18 may be any transducer or sensorconfigured to detect sound and/or convert the sound into an electricalsignal. Microphones 18 may be distributed throughout building 10 as maybe suitable for the particular application of building 10 and/or theemergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, microphones 18 areuniformly sized and shaped throughout building 10, but in otherembodiments, microphones 18 are sized and shaped individually accordingto the function or purpose of each microphone 18 within building 10and/or the emergency monitoring system.

In some embodiments, microphones 18 are activated from a non-activatedstate to an activated state in response to a signal (e.g., an activatingsignal). In the non-activated state, microphones 18 are configured todetect or otherwise receive local sounds (i.e., sounds near microphones18). However, only those microphones 18 in the activated state are ableto note, report, record, or otherwise monitor the local sounds that arereceived. In one embodiment, microphones 18 are automatically activated(e.g., by the activating signal) when a triggering event (e.g., agunshot, a fire, an earthquake, a police emergency, a sign of humandistress, a police siren, etc.) is detected within building 10 (e.g., bymicrophone 18, by detection device 16, etc.). For instance, one ofmicrophones 18 may detect an audible triggering event within building 10when in the non-activated state, automatically sending an activatingsignal to one or more microphones 18 within the emergency monitoringsystem, activating those microphones 18 to monitor local sounds. Inother embodiments, microphones 18 are manually activated upon requestand/or authorization from a designated source or other third party, suchas law enforcement personnel. In still other embodiments, microphones 18include a single, activated state for monitoring local sounds withinbuilding 10 at all times.

Microphones 18 may be coupled to telephones 14 (shown in further detailby way of example in FIG. 2) located within building 10. Telephones 14may include landline phones (i.e., phones connected to a telephonenetwork by a physical telephone line) that are either hard-wired (wiredphones) or cordless (cordless phones), cellular phones, or another typeof telecommunications device capable of receiving and/or transmitting anaudible sound. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, telephones 14are located within building 10 as required according to the function ofbuilding 10 and the preferences of the occupants of building 10.However, in other embodiments telephones 14 may be otherwise distributedthroughout building 10 as may be suitable for the particular applicationof the emergency monitoring system, such as having one telephone 14located in each room 12 (e.g., office, classroom, etc.) of building 10.Microphones 18 may be coupled to telephones 14 in order to monitor localsounds at or near telephones 14. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG.1, each telephone 14 within building 10 includes at least one microphone18 for monitoring local sounds. However, in other embodiments, sometelephones 14 within building 10 may not include microphones 18. Instill other embodiments, microphones 18 may be otherwise distributedthroughout building 10 as may be suitable for the particular applicationof the emergency monitoring system, such as being positioned orinstalled separately from telephones 14 on one or more walls of rooms 12and/or hallways 20. In one embodiment, for instance, at least onemicrophone 18 is located in each room 12 of building 10.

In one embodiment, one or more microphones 18 of the emergencymonitoring system are transmitters for telephones 14, receiving spokensound waves from a telephone user and converting the sound waves toelectrical signals to be sent through the phone network. In thisembodiment, the one or more microphones 18 may be available for use astransmitters for telephones 14 only when microphones 18 are in thenon-activated state, no longer transmitting calls through the phonenetwork when activated, or microphones 18 may remain available fortransmitting calls when activated. In one embodiment, the transmitterwithin telephone 14 that is typically used for phone calls (not shown)is modified to perform the necessary function of microphone 18 as partof the emergency monitoring system. In other embodiments, telephones 14may include microphone 18 and a separate phone call transmitter. Inthese embodiments, microphone 18 may still be activated in response tothe triggering event (or another signal or response) to monitor localsounds, or microphone 18 may be configured to monitor local sounds atall times, even during phone calls.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the emergency monitoring systemalso includes a detector shown as detection device 16 (e.g., smokedetector, gas detector, gunshot detector, intrusion detector, microphone18, camera, temperature detector, accelerometer, etc.) located withinbuilding 10 for detecting and/or monitoring one or moreemergency-related conditions within building 10. In one embodiment,detection device 16 (e.g., automated device) is configured to detect atriggering event, sending a signal (e.g., the activating signal) totelephones 14 and/or microphones 18 to activate microphones 18 when thetriggering event is detected. In one embodiment, signals (e.g.,detection signals, activation signals, etc.) are sent wirelessly. In oneembodiment, the signals are sent via a wired connection (e.g., usingexisting signal cables associated with telephones 14 or microphones 18).Detection device 16 may be coupled to telephones 14 and/or microphones18, positioned within hallways 20 of building 10, or otherwisepositioned or located within or proximate to building 10 in order todetect triggering events, as may be suitable for the particularapplication of detection device 16 and/or the emergency monitoringsystem. In one embodiment, detection devices 16 are positioned orlocated within building 10 such that a triggering event occurringanywhere within building 10 is detected by one of detection devices 16.When a triggering event is detected, detection device 16 may also reporta condition of the triggering event to a third party (e.g., an occupantof building 10, a judicial agency, a law enforcement agency, a securityagency, an owner of building 10, a news organization, etc.). Thecondition may include a location of the triggering event, a timeassociated with the triggering event, identifying characteristics of thetriggering event, and/or any other information relevant to thetriggering event according to the particular application of theemergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, detection device 16includes an internal GPS for monitoring a location of detection device16, thereby enabling monitoring a location of the triggering eventand/or a monitored sound.

In one embodiment, rather than automatically activating microphones 18when a triggering event is detected, detection devices 16 are configuredto measure or observe one or more conditions of building 10, relaying ortransmitting the conditions to a designated source (e.g., lawenforcement personnel, fire department personnel, security personnel ofbuilding 10, an owner of building 10, a user of telephone 14, detectiondevice 16, an automated device, etc.). The conditions may be sent to thedesignated source in real time, or at intervals. In this embodiment, thedesignated source may interpret the conditions to determine whethermicrophones 18 should be activated (e.g., whether an in-buildingemergency is present). If the designated source determines thatmicrophones 18 should be activated, the designated source sends anactivating signal to telephones 14 and/or microphones 18 in order toactivate microphones 18. In this embodiment, the activating signal mayindicate that conditions indicative of an emergency situation arepresent within building 10, and that building 10 should be monitored.Detection device 16 may also notify the designated source when atriggering event occurs in this embodiment. The designated source maythen send the activating signal in response to notification of atriggering event. Further in this embodiment, the designated source maysend the activating signal for another purpose or reason suitable forthe particular application of the emergency monitoring system.

In some embodiments of the emergency monitoring system, the activatingsignal is verified to ensure the authenticity of the activating signalbefore microphones 18 are activated. In one embodiment, for instance, anactivating signal from a designated source may be required in order toactivate microphone 18. In this embodiment, microphone 18 and/ortelephone 14 include a code stored on an internal storage device (i.e.,a stored code), and any activating signals sent from the designatedsource include an activation code. When the activating code is received,telephone 14 and/or microphone 18 are programmed to verify theactivating signal by matching the stored code to the activation code. Ifthe activation code matches the stored code, the activating signal isverified and microphone 18 is activated. If the activation code does notmatch the stored code, microphone 18 is not activated and the designatedsource may be alerted. In another embodiment, the activating signal isverified remotely by a third party, such as a phone company. In thisembodiment, the activating signal is sent to telephone 14, which iscoupled to microphone 18. Telephone 14 then relays the activating signalto the third party to verify that the activating signal was sent fromthe designated source. If the activating signal is verified by the thirdparty, microphone 18 is activated. If the activating signal is notverified, microphone 18 is not activated and the designated source maybe alerted. In another embodiment, a court order from a judicial agencyis required to verify the activating signal. In other embodiments, theactivating signal may be verified in another manner suitable for theparticular application of microphones 18 and/or the emergency monitoringsystem.

In one embodiment, at least one of microphones 18 (a detectionmicrophone) is able to detect audible triggering events within building10, when other microphones 18 are in the non-activated state. Thedetection microphone may also be configured or programmed to perform anytasks or functions described above in reference to detection device 16.For instance, when the triggering event is detected, the detectionmicrophone may generate an activating signal, sending the activatingsignal to activate one or more telephones 14 and/or microphones 18 ofthe emergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, the detectionmicrophone is self-activating, activating to monitor local sounds whenthe detection microphone detects a triggering event.

In some embodiments, one or more of microphones 18 may be selectivelyactivated, with the activating signal being sent to only microphones 18that are selected for activation (i.e., the selected microphones). Theselected microphones may be automatically selected (e.g., based on acommon characteristic of the selected microphones) by the emergencymonitoring system, or the selected microphones may be manually selectedby a designated person (e.g., the designated source). In one embodiment,the selected microphones are automatically selected by a controller suchas control module 50. In this embodiment, the components of theemergency monitoring system (e.g., microphones 18, detection devices 16,etc.) are configured to send information to the controller in real-time,including a location of microphones 18, a location of any triggeringevents, etc., so that the information is continuously updated. Thecontroller is programmed to automatically select microphones 18 foractivation based on this information when a triggering event isdetected. For instance, one or more of microphones 18 may beautomatically selected for activation based on proximity (e.g., physicalproximity) to an identified emergency, such as the triggering event. Inone embodiment, the microphones are selected based on proximity to atriggering event area (e.g., within a radius surrounding the triggeringevent), such that each of the selected microphones is within thetriggering event area and all microphones 18 within the triggering eventarea are selected. In this embodiment, the activating signal is sent tothe selected microphones, activating all of the selected microphones tomonitor a sound within the triggering event area. In another embodiment,the activating signal includes the triggering event area and is sent toall microphones 18. In this embodiment, microphones 18 are programmed tointerpret the activating signal such that only those microphones 18within the triggering event area are activated. In another embodiment,the activating signal is sent to only those microphones 18 within anarea surrounding the detector (e.g., detection device 16, a detectionmicrophone) that that detected the triggering event (i.e., the detectorthat sent the activating signal).

One or more of microphones 18 may also be organized or sorted into amicrophone group for selective activation. The microphone group may beselected at random, or the microphone group may be based on one or morecommon characteristics of microphones 18 within the microphone group.For instance, the microphone group may be selected based on a commonlocation or region of microphones 18 within building 10, proximity to anemergency or triggering event, a common function of microphones 18, orany other characteristic or condition suitable for the particularapplication of the emergency monitoring system. The microphone group maybe pre-selected (i.e., before a triggering event is detected), selectedwhen the triggering event is detected, or selected at another timesuitable for the particular application of the emergency monitoringsystem. In one embodiment, for instance, the microphone group isselected after the triggering event is detected, and the microphonegroup is based on proximity to the triggering event. Once selected ororganized, the microphone group may be collectively activated inresponse to an activating signal. An activating signal may be sent toall microphones 18 within the microphone group, for instance, or theactivating signal may be sent to one microphone 18 within the microphonegroup, with the activating signal being relayed to all other microphones18 within the microphone group in order to activate all microphones 18within the microphone group.

When one or more microphones 18 are activated in response to atriggering event within building 10, the activated microphones (i.e.,any microphones 18 that are activated) may generate a signal (e.g., anactivation signal) conveying or representing one or more conditionsrelated to the activated microphone(s) and/or the triggering event. Theconditions represented by the activation signal may include a locationof the activated microphone(s). When microphones 18 are substantiallystationary within building 10, such as when coupled to landlinetelephones 14, the location of microphones 18 may be noted and stored(e.g., by control module 50) so that the activation signal includes alocation of microphone 18. When microphone 18 is coupled to a cellularphone, the internal GPS of the cellular phone may be used to monitor thelocation of microphone 18 (or a location of a triggering event, alocation of monitored sound, etc.). The location of microphone 18 maythen be included within the activation signal. The activation signal mayalso include a time associated with the triggering event and/or theactivating signal, and/or any other conditions suitable for use by theemergency monitoring system.

In one embodiment, the activated microphones are configured to send theactivation signal directly to a third party (e.g., a user of telephone14 that is coupled to an activated microphone, an occupant of building10, a judicial agency, a law enforcement agency, a security agency, anowner of building 10, a news organization, etc.) when the activationsignal is generated (i.e., in real-time). In another embodiment, theactivated microphones are configured to send the activation signal to acontroller such as control module 50 when the activation signal isgenerated. In this embodiment, the controller may either store theactivation signal for later use or relay (send) the activation signal tothe third party. For instance, in one embodiment the activation signalis recorded or stored by a memory device (e.g., memory 54) coupled tothe activated microphone as part of a telephone assembly (shown in FIG.2). In another embodiment, the activation signal is recorded at a remotesite, such as at a location associated with the third party. In eitherembodiment, the activation signal may be recorded using non-erasablememory.

In one embodiment, the emergency monitoring system is configured togenerate a reporting signal based on the sound monitored by microphones18 (i.e., the monitored sound). The reporting signal may be generated bythe activated microphones, telephones 14 coupled to the activatedmicrophones, control module 50, or another component of the emergencymonitoring system. The reporting signal may include a sound recording ofthe monitored sound, data related to any unusual sound events (e.g.,sounds over a specified decibel level or outside of a specified range,sounds originating from an unusual area within building 10, etc.) ortriggering events, or any other data or information related to theemergency monitoring system. The reporting signal may also include anidentification of which microphones 18 were activated, a location of theactivated microphones, a time at which the activated microphones wereactivated, identifying characteristics of the triggering event(s), orother information related to the monitored sound and relevant to theparticular application of the emergency monitoring system. In oneembodiment, the activated microphones are configured or programmed tosend the reporting signal directly to a third party (e.g., a user oftelephone 14 coupled to the activated microphone, an occupant or ownerof building 10, a judicial agency, a law enforcement agency, a securityagency, an owner of building 10, a news organization, etc.). In anotherembodiment, the activated microphones store or record the reportingsignal on a connected memory device (e.g., memory 54), sending one ormore reporting signals to the third party upon request or based on areporting schedule. In another embodiment, the activated microphones areconfigured to send the reporting signal directly to the third party inreal-time (i.e., when the reporting signal is generated). The activatedmicrophones may also be configured to send the reporting signal to thethird party through a controller such as control module 50. In such anembodiment, the controller may store the reporting signal, sending oneor more reporting signals to the third party upon request or based on areporting schedule. The controller may also send the reporting signal tothe third party when the reporting signal is received from the activatedmicrophone(s) (i.e., in real-time). In one embodiment, the reportingsignal is also sent to a remote site, where the reporting signal isstored and/or recorded for later use.

The monitored sound is recorded by the emergency monitoring system insome embodiments. In one embodiment, microphones 18 include a soundrecorder (i.e., audio recorder) such that when activated, microphones 18may be used to monitor and record a sound, generating a sound recording.In other embodiments, the emergency monitoring system may include one ormore sound recorders otherwise positioned or located within (or outsideof) building 10 for recording the monitored sound and generating thesound recording. For instance, the monitored sound may be recorded at aremote site to ensure that the sound recording is not lost or damaged.Once the sound recording is generated, the sound recording may be storedin a memory device or other storage location. For instance, microphones18 and/or telephones 14 may include a memory device (e.g., internalstorage device) for storing the sound recording once the sound recordingis generated. For instance, telephone 14 and/or microphone 18 mayinclude a controller such as control module 50 for storing the soundrecording. The sound recording may also be transmitted to anothercomponent or device of the emergency monitoring system for storage,upload, and/or playback. In one embodiment, microphones 18 areprogrammed or configured to send the sound recording to a third party,such as a remote site, where the sound recording may be stored. Inanother embodiment, microphones 18 are programmed or configured to sendthe sound recording to a communicatively connected controller such ascontrol module 50 (shown in further detail in FIG. 4), where the soundrecording may be stored on a memory device such as memory 54 (also shownin FIG. 4). The controller may also transmit or send the sound recordingto another component or device of the emergency monitoring system, or toa third party. The sound recording may be recorded by or stored onnon-erasable memory. The sound recording may be stored locally (e.g., ona memory device of microphone 18 or telephone 14) when the soundrecording is generated, then uploaded at a later time to a third partyor another remote site. The sound recording(s) may be uploaded uponrequest (e.g., from a third party) or based on a schedule (e.g.,uploaded periodically).

Referring now to FIG. 2, telephone 14 (i.e., a telephone assembly) isshown according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, telephone 14 is alandline or wired phone that is connected to a telephone network by aphysical telephone line and includes receiver 30 coupled to console 32by cord 34. However, in other embodiments telephone 14 may be or includea cordless phone having a cordless or remote receiver, a cellular phoneconnected by a radio link to a cellular network, or another type oftelecommunications device capable of receiving and/or transmitting anaudible sound. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, microphone 18 iscoupled to receiver 30 as part of the telephone assembly, but microphone18 may be otherwise coupled to telephone 14 in other embodiments.Microphone 18 is configured to convert audible sounds into electronicsignals so that the electronic signals may be transmitted to a remotelocation. In one embodiment, microphone 18 is used as a transmitter forphone calls, receiving audible sounds from a user of telephone 14,converting the audible sounds into an electronic signal, andtransmitting the electronic signal through the telephone network. Inother embodiments, telephone 14 includes a separate transmitter andmicrophone 18 is used solely for the purposes of the emergencymonitoring system. In one embodiment, a user is prevented from making orreceiving phone calls when microphone 18 is in the activated state, butthe user may manually override this function by pressing one of thebuttons (e.g., button 28) of telephone 14 in this embodiment.

In one embodiment, telephone 14 includes a controller (e.g., controlmodule 50) that is communicatively coupled to microphone 18 andtelephone 14 and configured to remotely receive signals or requests(e.g., the activating signal) from one or more sources within theemergency monitoring system in order to activate microphone 18. Thecontroller may be configured to receive the signals by a wiredconnection connecting the one or more sources to the controller, or thecontroller may be configured to receive the signals wirelessly, such asby a wireless network. When the signals are received by the controller,the controller may respond to the signals accordingly, such as toactivate microphone 18. The controller may also be configured to sendone or more signals by a wired connection or a wireless network, such asto transmit a reporting signal to another location, or for any otherpurposes of the emergency monitoring system.

In some embodiments, the controller may be programmed to activatemicrophone 18 to monitor sound when the activating signal is receivedfrom a designated source (e.g., law enforcement personnel, firedepartment personnel, security personnel of building 10, an owner ofbuilding 10, a user of telephone 14, an emergency responder, a judicialagency, etc.). For instance, the controller may be programmed to verifythat the activating signal is received from the designated source, andmay be further programmed within this embodiment to activate microphone18 only when the activating signal is verified to be received from thedesignated source. In one such embodiment, the controller includes astored code and the activating signal (if received from the designatedsource) includes an activation code. The stored code may be programmedonto an accessible memory device (e.g., memory 54) of the controller, orthe stored code may be otherwise included or stored within thecontroller such that the controller is able to access the stored code.In this embodiment, the controller is programmed to verify that theactivating signal was received from (and sent by) the designated sourceby matching the activation code to the stored code (e.g., verifying thatthe activation code and the stored code are substantially the same,verifying that the activation code corresponds with the stored code,etc.), activating microphone 18 if the activating signal was receivedfrom the designated source. In another embodiment, the controlleractivates microphone 18 only if an activating signal is received from atleast two designated sources, verifying that the activating signal(s)are received from the at least two designated sources. In anotherembodiment, the controller is programmed to obtain consent from a userof telephone 14 in order to activate microphone 18. The user may provideconsent by pressing one of the buttons (e.g., button 28) of telephone14, by verbal confirmation through microphone 18 (i.e., viavoice-activation), or in another manner suitable for the particularapplication of the emergency monitoring system.

In some embodiments, the controller may be programmed to deactivatemicrophone 18 at a later time. For instance, the deactivation may beafter a specified time period, after monitoring of microphone 18indicates a lack of nearby sounds related to the triggering event, afterthe triggering event has been resolved, etc. In some embodiments,deactivation is responsive to a deactivation signal from a designatedsource, and such deactivation signal may be subject to verification.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, telephone 14 includes emitter22 for emitting a signal or other type of indicator based on a status orcondition of building 10 and/or one or more other components of theemergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, emitter 22 emits a localsignal when microphone 18 is activated (e.g., when the triggering eventoccurs, when the activating signal is received, etc.). The local signalmay include a sound, a light, a vibration, or any other audible, visual,or other type of feedback for indicating when microphone 18 and/ortelephone 14 is activated. Emitter 22 is shown as an example to includeat least one light 24 that turns on or otherwise emits a light toindicate that microphone 18 is activated. In this embodiment, emitter 22also includes speaker 36 for emitting an identifiable sound or otheraudible signal to indicate that microphone 18 is activated. In someembodiments, emitter 22 emits a local signal when microphone 18 isdeactivated.

Telephone 14 (i.e., the telephone assembly) may also include screen 26.Screen 26 may be used to visually convey the local signal, such as bydisplaying a message indicating that microphone 18 has been activated,or by identifying some or all of microphones 18 within the emergencymonitoring system that have been activated. Screen 26 may also be usedto display any other information related to telephone 14 and/or anyother components of the emergency monitoring system, including text,pictures, video, or any other graphics suitable for the emergencymonitoring system. In one embodiment, screen 26 is used to display abuilding map, such as display map 40 shown in FIG. 3, that displaysspecific information related to building 10 and/or the emergencymonitoring system. In one embodiment, screen 26 includes a touch screenconfigured to receive input from a user of telephone 14 throughon-screen manipulation. Screen 26 is shown connected to telephone 14 inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2. However, in other embodimentsscreen 26 may be otherwise coupled to telephone 14 and/or microphone 18.In still other embodiments, screen 26 is a separate component fromtelephone 14 and/or microphone 18. For instance, screen 26 may belocated elsewhere within building 10, being remotely connected totelephone 14 and/or microphone 18 (e.g., via control module 50) in orderto receive and display information related to the emergency monitoringsystem. In another embodiment, screen 26 is located at a remote siteseparate from building 10 in order to convey information related to theemergency monitoring system to a designated source or another thirdparty. Screen 26 may be otherwise sized and shaped in other embodiments,and may be also be otherwise configured to receive and/or display dataor input in other embodiments, as may be suitable for the particularapplication of the emergency monitoring system in those embodiments.

Telephone 14 also includes buttons such as button 28 for a user toinitiate actions or to enter data. For instance, a user of telephone 14may use the buttons to dial a phone call or perform other telephonefunctions, or to interact with one or more components of the emergencymonitoring system, such as to provide feedback related to the triggeringevent or to provide consent to activate microphone 18 in order tomonitor local sounds. The user may also use the buttons to navigatescreen 26, such as to monitor one or more components or conditions ofthe emergency monitoring system.

In one embodiment, telephone 14 is a cellular phone. In this embodiment,telephone 14 may also include microphone 18, emitter 22, light 24,speaker 36, screen 26, and a controller, as described above. Somecellular phones included as part of the emergency monitoring system maybe employer-issued phones, typically being issued to persons withinbuilding 10 by owners or lessees of building 10. In these cases, theemployer-issued cellular phones may be pre-authorized to detect andmonitor local sounds within building 10, such as by an employmentagreement or by another phone authorization agreement. When cellularphones are pre-authorized, microphones 18 of the cellular phones areused to receive and detect local sounds, sending an activating signal ifan audible triggering event is detected by microphones 18. In addition,microphones 18 of the pre-authorized cellular phones may be activated tomonitor local sounds within building 10, such as by an activating signalor by request from a designated source. Some other cellular phones maybe personal cellular phones of persons within building 10. Personalcellular phones may also be pre-authorized by the owners of the cellularphones. For instance, persons working within building 10 may sign avoluntary agreement to allow their personal cellular phones to be usedwithin the emergency monitoring system, or visitors of building 10 mayhave an opportunity to register their personal cellular phones as partof the emergency monitoring system upon entering building 10. Forinstance, building 10 may institute an implied consent policy in whichvisitors of building 10 (or designated locations within it) areconsidered as having pre-authorized use of their cellular phones as partof the emergency monitoring system. This implied consent may beresponsive to a posted notice or may allow visitors an opt-outcapability. If a cellular phone is not pre-authorized, the cellularphone is not utilized as a detector. However, the activating signal maybe sent to these non-authorized cellular phones by the emergencymonitoring system, providing the user of the non-authorized cellularphone with the option of allowing their phone to be used to monitorlocal sounds as part of the emergency monitoring system.

Referring now to FIG. 3, display map 40 is shown according to oneembodiment. Display map 40 may be generated and/or provided as part ofthe emergency monitoring system in order to convey information relatedto the emergency monitoring system and/or the associated building (e.g.,building 10). For instance, display map 40 may visually conveyinformation (e.g., a data point) related to triggering events, such as atime associated with the detection event, a categorization orclassification of the triggering event (e.g., gunshot, fire, earthquake,intrusion, sign of human distress, police siren, etc.), and/or alocation of the triggering event within the associated building. In oneembodiment, a controller (e.g., control module 50) having a processor(e.g., processor 52) receives signals (e.g., the activation signal) fromdetection devices 16, microphones 18, and/or other components of theemergency monitoring system that include information related to thedetected triggering events (e.g., triggering event data), and/or otherinformation relevant to the emergency monitoring system. In thisembodiment, the controller is programmed to receive the signals,automatically generating display map 40 based on the triggering eventdata and any other information within the received signals. Forinstance, the controller may generate data points representing thetriggering event data recorded by the emergency monitoring system,plotting the data points on display map 40. The controller may alsoreceive activating signals, activation signals, reporting signals, orother signals within the emergency monitoring system, automaticallygenerating data points representing any relevant information within thereceived signals, and plotting the data points on display map 40. Inother embodiments, display map 40 may be manually generated, such as bya person at a remote site receiving signals from the emergencymonitoring system and interpreting the data within the signals togenerate and plot data points on display map 40.

When more than one triggering event occurs within the associatedbuilding, display map 40 may provide priorities for each of thetriggering events, such as to guide emergency responders (e.g., policeofficers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, etc.) respondingto the scene. The triggering events may be prioritized automatically(e.g., by control module 50) or manually (e.g., by a person at a remotesite). For instance, the triggering events may be ranked according tourgency of the triggering event, according to a danger level, assigned arating to denote the level of emergency, or prioritized in any othermanner as may be suitable for the particular application of display map40 and/or the emergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, thetriggering events are prioritized based on acoustic signatures of thedetected sound. In this embodiment, the acoustic signatures may includea sound typically associated with human distress, such as a vocal soundabove a specified decibel level. In another embodiment, the triggeringevents are prioritized based on a location of the triggering eventrelative to a location of persons detected within the associatedbuilding (e.g., by activated microphones 18), such as by proximity ofthe triggering events to persons within the associated building. Inanother embodiment, the triggering events are prioritized based onproximity of the triggering events to an escalation danger (e.g., firein proximity to a gas tank, escape route, etc.).

Display map 40 may also include or provide prioritized evacuationinstructions for persons within the associated building. The prioritizedevacuation instructions may be automatically generated (e.g., by controlmodule 50) based on one or more conditions of the associated buildingand/or the emergency monitoring system, or manually generated by aperson associated with the emergency monitoring system. In oneembodiment, the prioritized evacuation instructions are displayed ondisplay map 40, with specific instructions being displayed on regions ofdisplay map 40 according to location within the associated buildingand/or the location of the one or more triggering events. In anotherembodiment, the prioritized evacuation instructions are sent totelephones 14 within the emergency monitoring system according to alocation of telephones 14 within the associated building (e.g., building10). In this embodiment, the evacuation instructions may include textdisplayed on screen 26, an audible message conveyed through receiver 30or another speaker located on telephone 14, or the evacuationinstructions may be conveyed in another manner suitable for theparticular application of the emergency monitoring system.

In one embodiment, display map 40 is displayed on all screens 26 withinthe emergency monitoring system when a detection event occurs. In thisembodiment, display map 40 may be displayed on screens 26 untilinstructions are received to remove display map 40 from screen 26 (e.g.,an automatic signal from control module 50, manual instructions from thedesignated source, etc.). In other embodiments, display map 40 isdisplayed elsewhere, such as in one or more locations of the associatedbuilding, at a remote site, or in another location suitable for theparticular application of the emergency monitoring system. In oneembodiment, display map 40 is displayed in real-time and updatedcontinuously.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, display map 40 depicts building10 when one or more triggering events have been detected and one or moremicrophones 18 are activated. In this embodiment, rooms 12 havingactivated microphones (i.e., the activated rooms) are identified by acriss-cross pattern across each room 12 on display map 40. However, inother embodiments, the activated rooms may be identified by a uniquecolor scheme, shading, or any other visual, audible, or other type ofindicator. In one embodiment, each activated room includes room-specificinformation related to the emergency monitoring system. For instance,the activated room may include text on display map 40 indicating thetriggering event that caused the activated microphone within theactivated room to activate, including a time the triggering event wasdetected, a categorization of the triggering event, a time the activatedmicrophone was activated, etc. Display map 40 may also include apriority classification, such as a priority value indicating which ofthe activated rooms first require an emergency response (e.g., whichactivated rooms require immediate assistance). Further, display map 40may include prioritized evacuation instructions specific for eachactivated room based on proximity to the triggering event(s), a buildingexit, or any other conditions of building 10 and/or the emergencymonitoring system.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, a categorization of thedetection event and a priority classification are displayed within theactivated rooms of display map 40 by text box 42 and text box 44,respectively. In this embodiment, the activated rooms are grouped forthe purposes of priority classification according to location withinbuilding 10, with each activated room within a selected group having anidentical priority classification. In other embodiments, each activatedroom may have an individual priority classification based on theparticular characteristics of the activated room, including locationwithin building 10. Display map 40 is also configured to convey otherinformation related to the activated rooms in response to an input orrequest from a user. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, forinstance, text box 46 is displayed in response to input from the user.In this embodiment, text box 46 includes a time of the triggering event,time at which microphone 18 was activated, as well as prioritizedevacuation instructions for the selected room 12. In one embodiment,display map 40 is displayed on a touch screen (e.g., screen 26), andtext box 46 is displayed when the user touches the activated room on thetouch screen. In other embodiments, text box 46 may be displayed inresponse to the user pressing a button (e.g., button 28), or in responseto another type of input or request from the user or another associatedparty (e.g., the designated source), as may be suitable for theparticular application of display map 40 and/or the emergency monitoringsystem.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of control module 50 is shownaccording to one embodiment. Control module 50 may be used to controlone or more components of the emergency monitoring system, to storeinformation or signals related to the emergency monitoring system, aswell as to perform any functions or processes of the emergencymonitoring system. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, controlmodule 50 is shown coupled to telephone 14 as part of the telephoneassembly, and may be used to control the operation of one or morecomponents of the telephone assembly. However, in other embodiments,control module 50 may be an independent component of the emergencymonitoring system. For instance, control module 50 may be stored at asecure location within building 10. Control module 50 may also be storedat an off-site or remote location and configured to communicate remotelywith one or more components of the emergency monitoring system.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, control module 50 includesprocessor 52 and a memory device shown as memory 54. In this embodiment,memory 54 stores programming instructions that, when executed byprocessor 52, control the operations of telephone 14, including theactivation of microphone 18 to monitor local sounds. In otherembodiments, memory 54 and processor 52 may be used to control othercomponents of the emergency monitoring system, as well as to execute anyfunctions or processes of the emergency monitoring system describedabove. In one embodiment, memory 54 is non-erasable. Control module 50is in electrical communication with telephone 14, detection device 16,microphone 18, and any other components of the emergency monitoringsystem, such as by a physical wire or by a remote (e.g., wireless)connection, as may be suitable for the particular application of controlmodule 50. For instance, the emergency monitoring system may includeother detectors, sensors, receivers, etc., in other embodiments. In sucharrangements, control module 50 is in electrical communication with eachof the components of the emergency monitoring system.

In one embodiment, control module 50 is programmed to generate thereporting signal based on the local sounds monitored by microphone 18.The reporting signal may include an identification of microphone 18, atime at which microphone 18 was activated, an identification of adesignated source, and/or a sound recording of the monitored sound. Inone embodiment, control module 50 is programmed to store or record thereporting signal within memory 54 to be available for upload. The storedreporting signal may be uploaded from memory 54 upon request, or by aschedule. In another embodiment, control module 50 sends the reportingsignal directly to a third party. In this embodiment, the reportingsignal may be sent in real-time (i.e., when the reporting signal isgenerated).

In one embodiment, control module 50 is programmed to receive theactivating signal. Control module 50 may then activate one or moremicrophones 18 in response. The activating signal may include activatingdata based on the activating signal that is stored by control module 50when received. The activating data may include an identification of thesender of the activating signal, a time related to the activatingsignal, a duration of the activating signal, an activation code, orother information as may be suitable for the particular application ofthe emergency monitoring system. In one embodiment, control module 50 isprogrammed to send the activating data to an owner of one of telephones14 (e.g., telephone 14 coupled to the activated microphone, telephone 14coupled to control module 50, etc.). In another embodiment, controlmodule 50 is programmed to send the activating data to a third party,such as a user of telephone 14, an occupant of building 10, a judicialagency, a law enforcement agency, a security agency, an owner ofbuilding 10, a news organization, or any other third party as may besuitable for the particular application of the emergency monitoringsystem. Control module 50 may also be programmed to upload theactivating data to a permanent and non-erasable storage device.

In one embodiment, control module 50 is programmed to receive adeactivating signal. Control module 50 may then deactivate one or moremicrophones 18 in response. The deactivating signal may includedeactivating data based on the deactivating signal that is stored bycontrol module 50 when received. The deactivating data may include anidentification of the sender of the deactivating signal, a time relatedto the deactivating signal, a deactivation code, or other information asmay be suitable for the particular application of the emergencymonitoring system. In one embodiment, control module 50 is programmed tosend the deactivating data to an owner of one of telephones 14 (e.g.,telephone 14 coupled to the activated microphone, telephone 14 coupledto control module 50, etc.). In another embodiment, control module 50 isprogrammed to send the deactivating data to a third party, such as auser of telephone 14, an occupant of building 10, a judicial agency, alaw enforcement agency, a security agency, an owner of building 10, anews organization, or any other third party as may be suitable for theparticular application of the emergency monitoring system. Controlmodule 50 may also be programmed to upload the deactivating data to apermanent and non-erasable storage device.

Control module 50 may also be programmed to generate, store, record,and/or send the activating signal, the activation signal, and/or anothersignal used by the emergency monitoring system, as may be suitable forthe particular application of the system. Control module 50 may also beprogrammed to use any of the above described electronic signals in anymanner described above in reference to any other electronic signal(s) ofthe emergency monitoring system.

Control module 50 receives operational electrical power from powersupply 56. In one embodiment, power supply 56 provides power to controlmodule 50 and all components of telephone 14, including microphone 18.Power supply 56 may also supply power to other components of theemergency monitoring system. Power supply 56 may be any suitable powersource, including, but not limited to, a battery, a generator, a solarpower source, grid power, or a combination thereof. In arrangementswhere power supply 56 includes a rechargeable battery, the battery maybe charged during operation through another power source (e.g., agenerator, a solar panel, grid power, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow chart 500 of a method for monitoring abuilding is shown, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, themethod includes detecting a triggering event within a building (e.g.,building 10) using a detector (e.g., detection device 16) that iscommunicatively coupled to one or more microphones (e.g., microphone 18)at 502. The method also includes activating at least one of themicrophones to monitor a sound (e.g., within building 10) when thetriggering event is detected at 504.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow chart 600 of a method for monitoring anin-building emergency is shown, according to one embodiment. In thisembodiment, the method includes receiving an activating signal from adesignated source at 602. The method also includes activating at leastone microphone (e.g., microphone 18) to monitor a sound when theactivating signal is received from the designated source at 604. Themethod further includes generating a reporting signal based on themonitored sound at 606.

The construction and arrangement of the apparatus, systems and methodsas shown in the various embodiments are illustrative only. Although onlya few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, some elements shown as integrallyformed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positionof elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or numberof discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or methodsteps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thedescribed embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views theconnection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function orgroup of functions.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another. Such joining may be communicative, rather thanphysical.

Although the figures may show or the description may provide a specificorder of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what isdepicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or withpartial concurrence. Such variation will depend on various factors,including software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice.All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations could be accomplished with standard programmingtechniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish thevarious connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps anddecision steps.

1. A system for monitoring a building having one or more microphonescoupled to a telephone, the system comprising: a detector configured todetect a triggering event within the building and transmit an activatingsignal based on the detection of the triggering event; and a controlmodule configured to receive the activating signal from the detector andto activate at least one of the one or more microphones to monitor soundwithin the building based on receipt of the activating signal.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the activating signal includes one or moreconditions of the triggering event.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe control module is programmed to report the one or more conditions toa third party.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the third partyincludes at least one of: a user of the telephone coupled to the one ormore microphones that are activated, an occupant of the building, ajudicial agency, a law enforcement agency, a security agency, an ownerof the building, and a news organization.
 5. The system of claim 2,wherein the one or more conditions include a location of the triggeringevent.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more conditionsinclude a time associated with the triggering event.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control module is programmed to select which of theone or more microphones to activate based on proximity to the triggeringevent.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the one or moremicrophones selected is within a triggering event area.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control module is programmed to activate all of theone or more microphones within a triggering event area when theactivating signal is received.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol module is programmed to send an activation signal to a thirdparty when at least one of the one or more microphones is activated. 11.A method for monitoring an emergency for a building having one or moremicrophones coupled to one or more telephones within the building, themethod comprising: receiving an activating signal from a detector;transmitting the activating signal to a control module; and activatingat least one of the one or more microphones to detect a sound inresponse to the activating signal.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising generating a reporting signal based on the sound detected.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reporting signal includesidentifying characteristics of the triggering event.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the reporting signal includes a sound recording. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein the triggering event includes at leastone of: a gunshot, a fire, an earthquake, and a police emergency. 16.The method of claim 12, further comprising: sending the reporting signalto a third party.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the third partyincludes at least one of: a user of the one or more telephones coupledto an activated microphone, an occupant of the building, a judicialagency, a law enforcement agency, a security agency, an owner of thebuilding, and a news organization.
 18. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: recording the sound detected by the one or more microphonesto generate a sound recording.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thesound is recorded by the one or more microphones.
 20. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: selecting a microphone group from the oneor more microphones; wherein the activating step includes activating themicrophone group.
 21. The method of claim 11, wherein the activatingsignal includes a triggering event area.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising: selecting which of the one or more microphones toactivate based on proximity to the triggering event area.
 23. The methodof claim 11, further comprising: verifying that the activating signal isreceived from the detector.
 24. The method of claim 11, wherein the oneor more telephones include a cellular phone.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising: monitoring a location of the emergency by using aninternal GPS of the cellular phone. 26-35. (canceled)